Priory Country Park is a former gravel pits located on the South East edge of Bedford, adjacent to the River Great Ouse. Find us at Barkers Lane off A428, or in Priory Business Park off A421 Bedford bypass. Admission is Free with access to the Visitor centre and 2 hides, one overlooking the main lake and one on the Finger lakes. You will find Winter wildfowl, passage terns and waders, and Water Rail all year.

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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Saturday 25th September

My first weekend at the park for a while, having been away on holiday, and it's turned to Autumn! As I walked down to the main lake the distinctive quack of the Gadwall led me to the north west corner where 46 Gadwall were picking through the weed along with a large number of Coot and 15 Wigeon. Mute Swan numbers were well down compared to my last visit but Coot numbers have remained stable if not increased. The single female Tufted with the white mark around the bill was on the south side of the lake along with a single Little Grebe. Black-headed Gull numbers have significantly increased with quite a few loafing about over towards the main lake hide. A Sparrowhawk flew over the east side of the main lake and was intercepted by 4 Carrion Crows over the south east corner for some spectacular aerobatics.

At Fingers a single male Tufted Duck, 4 Teal and another 2 Gadwall intermingled with the numerous Mallard. Another Little Grebe was feeding around the edge of the Crescent until we spooked it.

At Kramer hide a Blackcap was calling but that was about all. We headed up to the STW reedbed looking for the Cetti's, that DK had earlier in the week, no sign but a couple of Mute Swans on the River were having a face off. A Kingfisher passed over the bridge and up the Cut. On the first small lake on 100 Acre a number of Mallard were accompanied by a single Tufted Duck and a Little Grebe and on the big lake Pochard numbers were well into double figures.

Back around Fingers little of note with very few birds visible or calling. As we headed down the main path by the Crescent a Chiffy was calling. Along the Canoe Slalom a couple of Grey Wagtails were feeding and Mistle Thrush flew over up near The Barns Hotel.

Back at the main lake a couple of Wigeon remained on the south side of the island and most of the Gadwall, along with another Wigeon, remained in the north west corner although half flew, along with the one Wigeon, as we headed for the car park.

Volunteer Group Programme

If you cannot join us for the whole day feel free to come along when you can, all help is appreciated.

November 5th 9am - 3pm

December 3rd 9am - 3pm

January 7th 9am - 3pm

February 4th 9am - 3pm

March 4th 9am - 3pm

April 1st 9am - 3pm

Please note that the Priory Rangers may have to cancel a task day at short notice if the health and safety of volunteers cannot be ensured.

Under 17s MUST be accompanied by an adult. All training and tools provided by the Rangers. You will need: stout footwear (trainers not acceptable), suitable outdoors clothing, and a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits provided.

Volunteers will be asked to leave if inappropriate clothing and footwear is worn, or health and safety instructions are not followed.